Solar furnace and methods of use thereof

ABSTRACT

A solar furnace for heating a target having a heliostat with a reflective surface having a reflective portion, a surface altering mechanism capable of altering the shape of the reflective portion, and a target having a target area, the reflective surface capable of reflecting radiant energy toward a target.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This patent application is a continuation of non-provisional patentapplication Ser. No. 12/916,066, filed on Oct. 29, 2010. This patentapplication claims the benefit of the priority of provisional patentapplication 61/601,513, filed on Feb. 21, 2012, and the PCT patentapplication PCT/______/______ filed on Feb. 21, 2013. Each of thenon-provisional patent application Ser. No. 12/916,066, PCT patentapplication PCT/______/______ and the provisional patent application61/601,513 are incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND

Manufacturing processes for plastic products typically include heatingvarious forms of plastic (e.g., pellets, powders, sheets, etc.) andforming the plastic into the desired shape. Two very common forms ofplastic molding are rotational molding and vacuum molding.

Rotational molding includes a hollow mold that can rotate in all threeaxis of the three dimensional Cartesian coordinate system. The hollowmold is typically formed from a metal or similarly heat-conductivematerial. A quantity of plastic powder is placed inside the hollow mold.The hollow mold is then moved into an oven where the heat sourcesubstantially surrounds the hollow mold. The hollow mold is then rotatedand heated in the oven.

As the hollow mold is rotated and heated in the oven, the plastic powdercontinually falls to the bottom of the inner surface of the hollow mold.The heated hollow mold heats the plastic powder on the bottom innerlayer of the hollow mold. The melted plastic powder bonds together(e.g., sinters) to form a complete plastic layer in the bottom innersurface of the hollow mold. Continually rotating the mold forms aplastic layer on all inner surfaces of the hollow mold. The hollow moldcan be removed from the oven once the complete plastic layer is formedon the inner surface of the hollow mold. The hollow mold is then allowedto cool and then opened and the molded plastic product removed from thehollow mold. Typical products formed in a rotational molding system aretanks, boats, shipping containers and other shapes.

Vacuum molding includes a frame for supporting a sheet of rigid plasticover a positive (raised or convex) or a negative (sunken or concave)shaped mold. A heat source is directed at the plastic sheet and a vacuumis applied to the area around and in some instances inside the mold,softening the plastic sheet and making it flexible. The vacuum draws theheated plastic sheet down onto or into the mold to form the desiredshape. Then the heat source is removed and the molded plastic sheet isallowed to cool and become ridged again. Then the vacuum is removed andthe molded plastic sheet can be removed from the mold. Typical productsformed in a vacuum molding system are boat hulls, showers, shippingtrays, and equipment covers.

In both rotational molding systems and vacuum molding systems, theenergy cost for the heat portion of the manufacturing process is an everlarger portion of the end product cost.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present disclosure pertains to a solar furnace for heating a targethaving a heliostat having a reflective surface having a reflectiveportion, a surface altering mechanism capable of altering the shape ofthe reflective portion, and a target having a target area, thereflective surface capable of reflecting radiant energy toward a target.

In one aspect of the disclosure, the surface altering mechanism allowsfor the alteration of the size of the target area. In another aspect ofthe disclosure, the surface altering mechanism allows for the reflectedradiant energy to impinge upon a target area at various distances fromthe reflective surface. In another aspect of the disclosure, theheliostat has a plurality of surface altering mechanisms capable ofaltering the reflective surface to a multi-curved shape. In anotheraspect of the disclosure, the target has a plurality of target areas,and the heliostat has a first surface altering mechanism capable ofaltering the shape of a first reflective portion and a second surfacealtering mechanism capable of altering the shape of a second reflectiveportion, the first reflective portion capable of reflecting radiantenergy toward a first target area and the second reflective portioncapable of reflecting radiant energy toward a second target area. Inanother aspect of the disclosure, the solar furnace has a plurality ofheliostats capable of reflecting radiant energy toward a target area. Inanother aspect of the disclosure, the target has a plurality of targetareas, and the solar furnace has at least one first heliostat capable ofreflecting radiant energy toward at least one first target area and atleast one second heliostat capable of reflecting radiant energy towardat least one second target area. In another aspect of the disclosure,the surface altering mechanism of the at least one first heliostatallows for at least one first target size and the surface alteringmechanism of the at least one second heliostat allows for at least onesecond target size.

In another aspect of the disclosure, the heliostat has a failsafemechanism capable of decreasing the amount of wind captured by thereflective surface. In another aspect of the disclosure, the solarfurnace has a directional reflector capable of altering the direction ofthe radiant energy reflected by the reflective surface.

In another aspect of the disclosure, a solar furnace has at least oneheliostat having a reflective surface having a reflective portion, and atarget having at least one target area, the reflective surface capableof reflecting radiant energy toward a target area, an at least one firstreflective surface capable of reflecting radiant energy toward an atleast one first target area, and an at least one second reflectivesurface capable of reflecting radiant energy toward an at least onesecond target area. In another aspect of the disclosure, the at leastone first target area has a first target size and the at least onesecond target area has a second target size.

In another aspect of the disclosure, the solar furnace has a directionalreflector capable of altering the direction of the radiant energyreflected by the reflective surface. In another aspect of thedisclosure, a solar furnace has a heliostat having a reflective surfacehaving a reflective portion, the reflective surface capable ofreflecting radiant energy, and a light pipe capable of receiving thereflected radiant energy and directing the reflected radiant energytoward a target. In another aspect of the disclosure, the solar furnacehas a collector capable of directing the reflected radiant energy intothe light pipe. In another aspect of the disclosure, the solar furnacehas a recapture area having a plurality of sidewalls defining theperiphery of the recaptured area, the sidewalls lined with a reflectivesurface capable of reflecting radiant energy toward the target. Inanother aspect of the disclosure, the solar furnace has a computer fororientating the reflective surface. In another aspect of the disclosure,the solar furnace has a computer for altering the shape of thereflective surface.

Another aspect of the disclosure is a method of heating a targetutilizing a solar furnace having the steps of altering the shape of areflective surface utilizing a surface altering mechanism, reflectingradiant energy toward the target area of the target, and heating thetarget area with the reflected radiant energy. Another aspect of thedisclosure is a method further having the step of placing a target inthe focal point of a reflective surface of a heliostat. Another aspectof the disclosure is a method further having the steps of placing atarget in close proximity to a second end of a light pipe, andreflecting radiant energy toward a first end of a light pipe. Anotheraspect of the disclosure is a method further having the steps oftouching a target to a second end of a light pipe, and reflectingradiant energy toward a first end of a light pipe. Another aspect of thedisclosure is a method further having the step of reflecting radiantenergy toward a collector. Another aspect of the disclosure is a methodfurther having the step of placing a target in a recapture area having aplurality of sidewalls defining the periphery of the recaptured area,the sidewalls lined with a reflective surface capable of reflectingradiant energy toward the target. Another aspect of the disclosure is amethod further having the step of reflecting radiant energy toward adirectional reflector.

With those and other objects, advantages and features on the inventionthat may become hereinafter apparent, the nature of the invention may bemore clearly understood by reference to the following detaileddescription of the invention, the appended claims, and the drawingsattached hereto.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated herein and form partof the specification, illustrate various embodiments of the presentinvention and together with the description, further serve to explainthe principles of the invention and to enable a person skilled in thepertinent art to make and use the invention. In the drawings, likereference numbers indicate identical or functionally similar elements. Amore complete appreciation of the invention and many of the attendantadvantages thereof will be readily obtained as the same becomes betterunderstood by reference to the following detailed description whenconsidered in connection with the accompanying drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a solar furnace according to anexemplary embodiment.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a heliostat according to an exemplaryembodiment.

FIG. 3 a is a perspective view of a heliostat according to an exemplaryembodiment.

FIG. 3 b is a side view of a heliostat according to an exemplaryembodiment.

FIG. 4 is a side view of a heliostat according to an exemplaryembodiment.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a solar furnace according to anexemplary embodiment.

FIG. 6 a is a side view of a heliostat according to an exemplaryembodiment.

FIG. 6 b is a side view of a heliostat according to an exemplaryembodiment.

FIG. 6 c is a side view of a heliostat according to an exemplaryembodiment.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a solar furnace according to anexemplary embodiment.

FIG. 8 is a schematic view of a heliostat computer according to anexemplary embodiment.

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a solar furnace according to anexemplary embodiment.

FIG. 10 is a plan view of a solar furnace according to an exemplaryembodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In the following detailed description, reference is made to theaccompanying drawings which form a part hereof and in which is shown byway of illustration specific embodiments in which the invention may bepracticed. These embodiments are described in sufficient detail toenable those skilled in the art to practice the invention, and it is tobe understood that other embodiments may be utilized and that structuralor logical changes may be made without departing from the scope of thepresent invention. The following detailed description is, therefore, notto be taken in a limiting sense, and the scope of the present inventionis defined by the appended claims.

The present disclosure pertains to a solar furnace 100, as shown in FIG.1, for reflecting radiant solar energy 102 from a radiant energy source101, such as the sun, onto a target 300 by way of a reflective surface210 thereby increasing the temperature of the target 300. The use ofradiant solar energy 102 reduces or eliminates the need for electricityor fossil fuel heat sources such as natural gas to heat the target 300.The use of radiant solar energy 102 can be the sole energy source usedto increase the temperature of the target 300 or can be used incombination with traditional energy sources such as electrical heatingcoils.

In one embodiment, as shown in FIG. 1, the solar furnace 100 can have atleast one heliostat 200 and a target 300. The target 300 can be anyobject in which reflected radiant energy 106 is impinged upon for thepurpose of increasing the temperature of the object. For example, thetarget 300 can be a blow molding mechanism, injection molding mechanism,rotational molding mechanism, a food processing system such as a coffeebean roaster, a boiler for generating steam, a heat storage systemcontaining meltable compounds such as salts or other heat storagemedium, an evaporator such as a maple syrup evaporator, a water tankmold, or the like. For example, where the target 300 is a blow moldingmechanism, the reflective surface 210 reflects radiant energy 106 towardthe extruder of the blow molding mechanism, thereby causing thereflected radiant energy 106 to impinge upon the extruder. Thetemperature of the extruder increases causing the medium, such asplastic, inside the extruder to melt, thereby allowing the plastic to beblow molded to a desired shape. In one embodiment, the target 300 can becoated with solar absorptive paint to increase the absorption ofimpinging reflected radiant energy 106.

The heliostat 200 can have a reflective surface 210 for reflectingradiant energy 106. For example, the reflective surface 210 can be aminor, polished surface, plastic sheet, membrane, or the like, and canbe made of metal, glass, plastic, laminate, vinyl, biaxially-orientedpolyethylene terephthalate, the like, or any combination thereof. Thereflective surface 210 can be any contour allowing for the reflection ofradiant energy 106. For example, the reflective surface 210 can beplanar, concave, convex, or multi-curved. Radiant solar energy 102impinges on the reflective surface 210 whereby a first portion, orreflected radiant energy 106, of the radiant solar energy 102 isreflected off of the reflective surface 210, and a second portion 103 ofthe radiant solar energy 102 is absorbed by the reflective surface 210.The relative quantities of the reflected radiant energy 106 of theradiant solar energy 102 and the absorbed second portion 103 of theradiant solar energy 102 is determined by the types of material in thereflective surface 210 and the surface finish of the reflective surface210.

As shown in FIG. 2, the reflected radiant energy 106 is reflected off ofthe reflective surface 210 at an angle δ corresponding to the angle α ofthe radiant solar energy 102. As a result, the reflected radiant energy106 is reflected off of the reflective surface 210 in a dispersedfashion as the reflected radiant energy 106 is reflected in different δangles corresponding to the different α angles.

In one embodiment, as shown in FIG. 3 a and b, the heliostat 200 canhave a surface altering mechanism 220 that allows for the creation of aplanar, concave, convex, or multi-curved reflective surface 210. Asshown in FIG. 5, A concave reflective surface 210 can focus orconcentrate the reflected radiant energy 106 onto a target 300, therebyincreasing the amount of reflected radiant energy 106 impinging thetarget area 310. The ability to alter the focus, and thus the focallength, of the reflected radiant energy 106 by way of the surfacealtering mechanism 220 allows for the reflected radiant energy 106 to beisolated to a target area 310, where the target area 310 can havedifferent sizes and be located at different distances from thereflecting surface 210. In one embodiment, a convex reflective surface210 can disperse the reflected radiant energy 106 away from the targetarea 310, thereby reducing the amount of reflected radiant energy 106impinging the target area 310.

In one embodiment, the surface altering mechanism 220 can have a bolt222 that engages the back of the reflective surface 210. The bolt 222 isthreaded to allow for a nut 223, for example, a wing-nut, to be securedto the bolt 222. A frame 224 engages the perimeter of the reflectivesurface 210. In one embodiment, the frame 224 secures the reflectivesurface 210 in a taught position. In one embodiment, the reflectivesurface 210 is secured to the frame 224 by way of a securing mechanism.The securing mechanism can have a groove 232 running the longitudinallength of each portion of the frame 224, as shown in FIG. 4, and a clip234, where the groove 232 receives the reflective surface 210 and theclip 234 where the reflective surface 210 is juxtaposed between the clip234 and the groove 232. The groove 232 and clip 234 are sized in amanner that upon the groove 232 receiving the clip 234 tension orfriction between the groove 232 and the clip 234 are formed therebysecuring the clip 234 and the reflective surface 210 into the groove232. A crossbar 226 engages the frame 224 in at least two locations onthe frame 224. The crossbar 226 has a hole for receiving the bolt 222.The bolt 222 passes through the hole in the crossbar 226 and a matingnut 223 touching the crossbar 226 is threaded onto the bolt 222. In oneembodiment, the nut 223 is tightened and the bolt 222 is pulled throughthe hole thereby applying a rearward force to the reflective surface210. The rearward force applied to the bolt 222 pulls the reflectivesurface 210 until a desired axis displacement is achieved, therebycreating a concave reflective surface 210. In one embodiment, the nut223 is loosened and the bolt 222 is pushed through the hole therebyapplying a forward force to the bolt 222. The forward force applied tothe bolt 222 pushes the reflective surface 210 until a desired axisdisplacement is achieved, thereby creating a convex reflective surface210. In one embodiment, where the target area 310 is greater than thereflective surface 210, a convex reflective surface 210 allows thereflected radiant energy 106 from the reflective surface 210 to bedispersed thereby increasing the size of the target area 310 to covermore or all of the target 300. The rearward or forward force can beapplied at any desired angle in relation to the reflective surface 210,for example, a right angle, an acute angle, or an obtuse angle. Theapplication of the rearward or forward force at an acute or obtuse anglecreates an asymmetrical concave or convex reflective surface 210,respectively.

In one embodiment, the target area 310 can have varying sizes, forexample, the target area 310 can encompass the entire target 300 or aportion of the target 300 by changing the focal length of the reflectivesurface 210. More specifically, a first focal length of 50 feet canallow for a target size of four feet, while a second focal length of 100feet can allow for a target size of two feet. In one embodiment, theability to change the focal length of the reflective surface 210 allowsfor the reflected radiant energy 106 to impinge upon targets 300positioned at varying distances from the reflective surface 210. Forexample, a first focal length of 50 feet allows for the reflectedradiant energy 106 to be focused upon a target 300 located 50 feet fromthe reflective surface 210 while a second focal length of 100 feetallows for the reflected radiant energy 106 can be focused upon a target300 located 100 feet from the reflective surface 210.

In one embodiment, the heliostat 200 can have a plurality of surfacealtering mechanisms 220 creating a multi-curved reflective surface 210with a plurality of reflective portions on the reflective surface 210. Areflective portion is a section of the reflective surface 210specifically tailored by a surface altering mechanism 220 that reflectsradiant energy 106 toward a target area 310 with a desired shape and/orsize. The reflective portion allows the reflective surface 210 toreflect the desired amount of radiant energy 106 toward a desired targetarea 310 while avoiding the reflection of radiant energy 106 towardother areas of the target 300. For example, the heliostat 200 can havetwo surface altering mechanisms 220 positioned at desired locations onthe reflective surface 210 where a first surface altering mechanism 220is capable of altering the shape of a first reflective portion, a secondsurface altering mechanism is capable of altering the shape of a secondreflective portion, the first reflective portion is capable ofreflecting radiant energy 106 toward a first target area 310, and thesecond reflective portion is capable of reflecting radiant energy 106toward a second target area 310, thereby concentrating or focusing theradiant energy 106 on two target areas 310. In one embodiment, aplurality of surface altering mechanisms 220 can position the reflectivesurface 210 in a plane curve configuration. For example, the heliostat200 can have two surface altering mechanisms 220 positioned at desiredlocations on the reflective surface 210 thereby creating a narrow/tallreflection or a wide/short reflection.

In one embodiment, the heliostat 200 can have a failsafe mechanism fordecreasing the amount of wind captured by the reflective surface 210. Bydecreasing the amount of wind captured by the reflective surface 210,damage to the heliostat 200 caused by wind exerting a force on thereflective surface 210 is avoided. In one embodiment, as shown in FIG.4, the failsafe mechanism has at least one clip 234 and a groove 232 forreceiving the at least one clip 234. The clip 234 has a tension pointwhere once a specific amount of force or load is applied to the clip234, the clip 234 dislodges from the groove 232 thereby releasing thereflective surface 210 from the frame 224. In one embodiment, thetension point of the clip 234 is determinant of the composition of theclip 234. For example, where the clip 234 is made of polyoxymethylenematerial, the clip 234 has a high tension point thereby requiring a highload to dislodge the clip 234 from the groove 232. As another example,where the clip 234 is made of a low-durometer polymer, the clip 234 hasa low tension point thereby requiring a low load to dislodge the clip234 from the groove 232.

In one embodiment, the failsafe mechanism has a cutter 236, a supportmember 237, and wind capturing surface 238. As shown in FIGS. 6 a-c, thesupport member 237 engages the frame 224 in a manner that allows for thesupport member 237 to traverse a specified distance or pivot around ahinge 239. The cutter 236 can be any object sufficient to pierce thereflective surface 210, for example, a blade, point, pin, or the like.The cutter 236 engages the proximate side, or side closest to thereflective surface 210, of the support member 237, and the windcapturing surface 238 engages the distal side, or the side furthest fromthe reflective surface 210, of the support member 237. The windcapturing surface 238 captures wind thereby exerting a force on thesupport member 237. The wind capturing surface 238 can be any size orshape that captures wind. In one embodiment, the area of the windcapturing surface 238 is designed where once a specific amount of forceor load is applied to the wind capturing surface 238, the support member237 traverses a distance or pivots around a hinge 239 causing the cutter236 to pierce the reflective surface 210. The fail safe mechanism canhave a wind capturing surface 238 and cutter 236 for capturing afrontward wind and piercing the reflective surface 210 from the front ofthe reflective surface 210 and a wind capturing surface 238 and cutter236 for capturing a rearward wind and piercing the reflective surface210 from the rear of the reflective surface 210.

In one embodiment, the heliostat 200 has at least one surface alteringmotor, for example, a stepper motor, hydraulic motor, or the like, eachcoupled to a surface altering mechanism 220 for operating the coupledsurface altering mechanism 220.

In one embodiment, the heliostat 200 has a pivoting mechanism fororienting the reflective surface 210 to maximize the amount of reflectedradiant energy 106 impinging upon the target 300. The pivoting mechanismcan orient the reflective surface 210 about a vertical axis and/or ahorizontal axis. The heliostat 200 can have at least one pivoting motor,for example, a stepper motor, hydraulic motor, or the like, coupled to apivoting mechanism for operating the coupled pivot mechanism.

In one embodiment, the solar furnace 100 can have a plurality ofheliostats 200 or a field of heliostats 200. As shown in FIG. 7, thereflective surfaces 210 of each heliostat 200A-H can be positioned in amanner dependent on the desired temperature and/or the amount ofreflected radiant energy 106 needed to impinge upon the target 300.Temperature can be controlled by increasing or decreasing the number ofreflective surfaces 210 and/or increasing or decreasing the focus ofeach reflective surface 210 used to reflect radiant energy 106 on thetarget 300. The target area 310 of the reflective surfaces 210 can bepositioned at varying locations on the target 300. In one embodiment,the solar furnace 100 can have a plurality of heliostats 200 and thetarget 300 can have a plurality of target areas 310, where the pluralityof heliostats 200 reflect radiant energy 106 toward a plurality oftarget areas 310. For example, the solar furnace 100 can have at leastone first heliostat 200 capable of reflecting radiant energy 106 towardat least one first target area 310 and at least one second heliostat 200capable of reflecting radiant energy 106 toward at least one secondtarget area 310. In one embodiment, the solar furnace 100 can have aplurality of target areas 310 of different sizes and/or shapes.

In one embodiment, the solar furnace 100 has a heliostat computer 400.In one embodiment, the heliostat computer 400 can maintain properorientation of the reflective surface 210 in relation to the desiredtarget area 310 and location of the radiant energy source 101 tomaximize the amount of radiant solar energy 102 reflected by thereflective surface 210 toward the target 300. The heliostat computer 400maintains proper orientation of the reflective surface 210 bycommunicating with the pivoting motors. The communication between theheliostat computer 400 and the pivoting motors allows the pivotingmotors to be remotely controlled, rather than requiring manualadjustment. For example, utilizing sensors, the latitude, longitude,time, and date of the position of the reflective surface 210 is providedto the heliostat computer 400. The heliostat computer 400 calculates thecompass bearing and angle of elevation of the sun in relation to thereflective surface 210. Given the location of the target 300, theheliostat computer 400 sends control signals to the pivoting motor,thereby positioning the reflective surface 210 in the desiredorientation. The heliostat computer 400 can be programmed to repeat thissequence of steps thereby maintaining the desired orientation of thereflective surface 210 in relation to the target area 310 and radiantenergy source 101.

In one embodiment, the solar furnace 100 has a plurality of heliostatcomputers 400 where each heliostat 200 is coupled to a heliostatcomputer 400 thereby allowing for each heliostat 200 to be controlled byan individual heliostat computer 400. By coupling a heliostat 200 to aheliostat computer 400 individually dedicated to the coupled heliostat200, the number of heliostats 200 affected upon damage, malfunction, orthe like to a heliostat computer 400 or supporting infrastructure isdecreased. For example, where the solar furnace 100 has a plurality ofheliostats 200 and a plurality of heliostat computers 400, and eachheliostat 200 is solely coupled to an individual heliostat computer 400,if the communication infrastructure coupling one heliostat computer 400to one heliostat 200 becomes damaged, only one heliostat 200 is renderedinoperative and the other heliostats 200 can continue functioning.

In one embodiment, the heliostat computer 400 can alter the shape orcontour of the reflective surface 210 by communicating with at least onesurface altering motor. The communication between the heliostat computer400 and the surface altering motor allows the surface altering motor tobe remotely controlled, rather than requiring manual adjustment. Forexample, where the desired contour of the reflective surface 210 isconcave and the desired target area 310 location is the focal point,utilizing sensors, the focal length is provided to the heliostatcomputer 400. The heliostat computer 400 sends control signals to thesurface altering motor to arrange the contour of the reflective surface210 so that the curve has a focal length corresponding to thesensor-determined distance between the reflective surface 210 and thetarget 300. In one embodiment, the operator may provide the distancebetween the reflective surface 210 and the target 300, and the heliostatcomputer 400 arranges the contour of the reflective surface 210 so thatthe curve has a focal length corresponding to the distance between thereflective surface 210 and the target 300 by adjusting the surfacealtering motor accordingly.

In one embodiment, where the heliostat 200 has a plurality of surfacealtering mechanisms 220 creating a plurality of reflective portions onthe reflective surface 210, the heliostat computer 400 communicates withthe surface altering motors corresponding to the surface alteringmechanisms 220 to create reflective portions thereby altering thecontour of the reflective surface 210.

In one embodiment, the heliostat computer 400 operates the orientationof all reflective surfaces 210 of the solar furnace 100 by orienting thereflective surfaces 210 about a vertical axis and/or a horizontal axis.The heliostat computer 400 can position one reflective surface 210 witha compass bearing and angle that differs from another reflective surface210. For example, where the target area 310 of a water tank moldmeasures 12′×12′, and the reflective surfaces 210 are 3′×3′, 16reflective surfaces 210 could reflect radiant energy 106 toward a target300 each impinging a 3′×3′ target area 310 upon the water tank moldcovering the 12′×12′ surface. By way of an additional example, where thetarget area 310 of a water tank mold measures 12′×12′, and thereflective surfaces 210 are 3′×3′, 32 reflective surfaces 210 couldreflect radiant energy 106 toward a target 300 each impinging a 3′×3′target area 310 upon the water tank mold, so that each 3′×3′ target area310 receives reflected radiant energy 106 from two reflective surfaces210 thereby decreasing the required time to heat the water tank mold toa desired temperature in comparison to the example utilizing 16reflective surfaces 210. In one embodiment, the heliostat computer 400can simultaneously communicate with a plurality of pivoting motors tocontrol the orientation of the reflective surfaces 210 and a pluralityof surface altering motors to control the contour of the reflectivesurfaces 210, thereby creating a highly tailored target area 310. Forexample, where a target area 310 of a water tank mold measures 12′×12′,the reflective surfaces 210 are 3′×3′, and 16 reflective surfaces 210are adjusted to provide a 3′×3′ reflection covering the 12′×12′ surface,additional reflective surfaces 210 are used to focus all the reflectedradiant energy 106 from each additional reflective surface 210 upon atarget area 310 measuring 1′×1′ located in the corner of the water tankmold, thereby greatly increasing the amount of reflected radiant energy106 impinging upon the 1′×1′ target area 310.

FIG. 8 shows an illustrative heliostat computer 400 for providing anapplication for interfacing with a host. Heliostat computer 400 caninclude control circuitry 410, storage 420, memory 430, input/output(“I/O”) circuitry 440, and communications circuitry 450. In someembodiments, one or more of the components of the heliostat computer 400can be combined or omitted (e.g., storage 420 and memory 430 may becombined). In some embodiments, the heliostat computer 400 can includeother components not combined or included in those shown in FIG. 8(e.g., a display), or several instances of the components shown in FIG.8. Only one of each of the components is shown in FIG. 8.

Heliostat computer 400 can include any suitable type of computer. Forexample, heliostat computer 400 can include a portable electronic devicethat the user may hold in his or her hand, such as a digital mediaplayer, a personal e-mail device, a personal data assistant (“PDA”), acellular telephone, a handheld gaming device, or a digital camera. Asanother example, heliostat computer 400 can include a larger portableelectronic device, such as a laptop or tablet computer. As yet anotherexample, heliostat computer 400 can include a substantially fixedelectronic device, such as a desktop computer.

Control circuitry 410 can include any processing circuitry or processoroperative to control the operations and performance of heliostatcomputer 400, for example, a programmable logic controller (PLC),microprocessor, or the like. Control circuitry 410 can be used to runoperating system applications, firmware applications, media playbackapplications, media editing applications, or any other application. Insome embodiments, control circuitry 410 can drive a display and processinputs received from a user interface.

Storage 420 can include, for example, one or more storage mediumsincluding a hard-drive, solid state drive, flash memory, permanentmemory such as ROM, any other suitable type of storage component, or anycombination thereof. Storage 420 can store, for example, applicationdata (e.g., for implementing functions on heliostat computer 400),firmware, user preference information data (e.g., media playbackpreferences), authentication information (e.g. libraries of dataassociated with authorized users), wireless connection information data(e.g., information that can enable heliostat computer 400 to establish awireless connection), and any other suitable data or any combinationthereof.

Memory 430 can include cache memory, semi-permanent memory such as RAM,and/or one or more different types of memory used for temporarilystoring data. In some embodiments, memory 430 can also be used forstoring data used to operate heliostat computer applications, or anyother type of data that can be stored in storage 420. In someembodiments, memory 430 and storage 420 can be combined as a singlestorage medium.

I/O circuitry 440 can be operative to convert (and encode/decode, ifnecessary) analog signals and other signals into digital data. In someembodiments, I/O circuitry 440 can also convert digital data into anyother type of signal, and vice-versa. For example, I/O circuitry 440 canreceive and convert physical contact inputs (e.g., from a multi-touchscreen), physical movements (e.g., from a mouse or sensor), analog audiosignals (e.g., from a microphone), or any other input. The digital datacan be provided to and received from control circuitry 410, storage 420,memory 430, or any other component of heliostat computer 400. AlthoughI/O circuitry 440 is illustrated in FIG. 8 as a single component ofheliostat computer 400, several instances of I/O circuitry 440 can beincluded in heliostat computer 400.

Heliostat computer 400 can include any suitable interface or componentfor allowing a user to provide inputs to I/O circuitry 440. For example,heliostat computer 400 can include any suitable input mechanism, such asfor example, a button, keypad, dial, a click wheel, or a touch screen.In some embodiments, heliostat computer 400 can include a capacitivesensing mechanism, or a multi-touch capacitive sensing mechanism.

In some embodiments, heliostat computer 400 can include specializedoutput circuitry associated with output devices such as, for example,one or more audio outputs. The audio output can include one or morespeakers (e.g., mono or stereo speakers) built into heliostat computer400, or an audio component that is remotely coupled to heliostatcomputer 400 (e.g., a headset, headphones or earbuds that can be coupledto communications device with a wire or wirelessly).

In some embodiments, I/O circuitry 440 can include display circuitry(e.g., a screen or projection system) for providing a display visible tothe user. For example, the display circuitry can include a screen (e.g.,an LCD screen) that is incorporated in electronics device 100. Asanother example, the display circuitry can include a movable display ora projecting system for providing a display of content on a surfaceremote from heliostat computer 400 (e.g., a video projector). In someembodiments, the display circuitry can include a coder/decoder (Codec)to convert digital media data into analog signals. For example, thedisplay circuitry (or other appropriate circuitry within the heliostatcomputer 400) can include video Codecs, audio Codecs, or any othersuitable type of Codec.

The display circuitry also can include display driver circuitry,circuitry for driving display drivers, or both. The display circuitrycan be operative to display content (e.g., media playback information,application screens for applications implemented on the heliostatcomputer 400, information regarding ongoing communications operations,information regarding incoming communications requests, or deviceoperation screens) under the direction of control circuitry 410.Alternatively, the display circuitry can be operative to provideinstructions to a remote display.

Communications circuitry 450 can include any suitable communicationscircuitry 450 operative to connect to a communications network and totransmit communications (e.g., voice or data) from heliostat computer400 to other devices within a communications network. Communicationscircuitry 450 can be operative to interface with the communicationsnetwork using any suitable communications protocol such as, for example,Wi-Fi (e.g., a 802.11 protocol), Bluetooth®, radio frequency systems(e.g., 900 MHz, 1.4 GHz, and 5.6 GHz communication systems), infrared,GSM, GSM plus EDGE, CDMA, quadband, and other cellular protocols, VOIP,ZigBee®, or any other suitable protocol.

In some embodiments, communications circuitry 450 can be operative tocreate a communications network using any suitable communicationsprotocol. For example, communications circuitry 450 can create ashort-range communications network using a short-range communicationsprotocol to connect to other devices. For example, communicationscircuitry 450 can be operative to create a local communications networkusing the Bluetooth® protocol to couple heliostat computer 400 with aBluetooth® headset.

Heliostat computer 400 can include one more instances of communicationscircuitry 450 for simultaneously performing several communicationsoperations using different communications networks, although only one isshown in FIG. 8. For example, heliostat computer 400 can include a firstinstance of communications circuitry 450 for communicating over acellular network, and a second instance of communications circuitry 450for communicating over Wi-Fi or using Bluetooth®. In some embodiments,the same instance of communications circuitry 450 can be operative toprovide for communications over several communications networks.

In some embodiments, heliostat computer 400 can be coupled to a hostdevice for data transfers, synching the communications device, softwareor firmware updates, providing performance information to a remotesource (e.g., providing riding characteristics to a remove server) orperforming any other suitable operation that can require heliostatcomputer 400 to be coupled to a host device. Several heliostat computers400 can be coupled to a single host device using the host device as aserver. Alternatively or additionally, heliostat computer 400 can becoupled to several host devices (e.g., for each of the plurality of thehost devices to serve as a backup for data stored in heliostat computer400).

Communication between the heliostat computer 400 and a server may beaccomplished through any suitable network that may be provided by one ormore communication interface, for example, WLAN, WAN, or LAN connection.Specifically, by way of example, the network may be a wireless internetconnection established by way of the WLAN interface, a local areanetwork connection established through the LAN interface, or a wide areanetwork connection established by way of the WAN interface, which mayinclude one of various WAN mobile communication protocols, such as aGeneral Packet Radio Service (GPRS) connection, an EDGE connection(Enhanced Data rates for GSM Evolution connection), or a 3G connection,such as in accordance with the IMT-2000 standard. One or more of thedata encryption techniques and security protocols (e.g., SSL or TSLprotocols) may be further utilized in order to facilitate the securetransmission of the transaction data to the server.

In one embodiment, as shown in FIG. 9, the solar furnace 100 can have atleast one directional reflector 500 for altering the direction of thereflected radiant energy 106.

The solar furnace 100 can have a directional reflector 500 where anunobstructed linear path for the reflected radiant energy 106 to traveldoes not exist between the reflective surface 210 and the target 300.For example, where the reflected radiant energy 106 travels at asubstantially horizontal path, a directional reflector 500 can bepositioned in the path of the reflected radiant energy 106 at an anglethat allows for the reflected radiant energy 106 to be reflected at asubstantial vertical path. In one embodiment, the solar furnace 100 hasa plurality of directional reflectors 500, where one directionalreflector 500 reflects radiant energy 106 from at least one reflectivesurface 210.

In one embodiment, the solar furnace 100 can have a light pipe 600 fortransporting or directing the reflected radiant energy 106 toward atarget 300. The solar furnace 100 can have a light pipe 600 when anunobstructed linear path for the reflected radiant energy 106 to traveldoes not exist between the reflective surface 210 and the target 300.The light pipe 600 can have a cylindrical shape with openings in thefirst end and the second end of the cylinder, where the reflectedradiant energy 106 enters the light pipe 600 through the opening in thefirst end and the reflected radiant energy 106 exits the light pipe 600through the opening in the second end. The interior surface of the lightpipe 600 can be lined with reflective material thereby allowing thereflected radiant energy 106 to reflect through the light pipe 600.

In one embodiment, the light pipe 600 can have a collector 610 forcapturing reflected radiant energy 106 and directing the reflectedradiant energy 106 into the light pipe 600. The collector 610 can haveat least one surface for directing reflected radiant energy 106 towardthe opening in the first end of the light pipe 600. The collector 610can engage the first end of the light pipe 600 and has a reflectivesurface for reflecting radiant energy 106 through the opening in thefirst end of the light pipe 600.

The reflected radiant energy 106 is reflected through the first end ofthe light pipe 600 and travels through the light pipe 600 by reflectingoff the reflective interior surface of the light pipe 600. The secondend of the light pipe 600 is oriented toward the target 300 therebyallowing for the reflected radiant energy 106 to exit the light pipe 600through the second end and impinge the target 300.

In one embodiment, the light pipe 600 is positioned such that the secondend of the light pipe 600 is in close proximity to the target 300thereby causing the amount of reflected radiant energy 106 impinging onthe target 300 after exiting the light pipe 600 to increase. In thisembodiment, the target 300 can be stationary or moving. Where the target300 is moving, for example, a target 300 on a conveyer belt, a pluralityof targets 300 can be positioned in close proximity to other targets 300thereby ensuring maximum utilization of the available reflected radiantenergy 106 exiting the light pipe 600 and impinging on the targets 300.For example, a target 300 on a conveyor belt is placed in closeproximity to another target 300 on the conveyor belt.

In one embodiment, the light pipe 600 is positioned such that the secondend of the light pipe 600 touches or is in direct contact with thetarget 300 thereby allowing for the maximum amount of reflected radiantenergy 106 to impinge on the target 300 after exiting the light pipe600. For example, where the target 300 is a blow molding auger orinjection molding auger, the second end of the light pipe 600 touchesthe auger thereby increasing the amount of reflected radiant energy 106impinging the auger.

In one embodiment, as shown in FIG. 10, the solar furnace 100 can have arecapture area 700 for reflecting radiant energy 106 that does notimpinge the target 300 after exiting the light pipe 600 toward thetarget 300. The recapture area 700 can have at least one sidewall 710.The interior surface of the sidewalls 710 is lined with reflectivematerial allowing for the reflection of radiant energy 106. While therecapture area 700 can be any size that encompasses a target 300, therecapture area 700 is preferably large enough to contain a rotationalmolding mechanism. While sidewalls 710 of the recapture area 700preferably make the shape of a circular paraboloid, the sidewall 710 canmake any shape, for example, semi-circular paraboloid, a square,rectangle, polygon, or the like. Where the sidewalls 710 are positionedin the shape of a circular paraboloid, the target 300 is preferablypositioned at the focal point of the circular paraboloid sidewalls 710.

The target 300 is placed into the recapture area 700 and positioned atthe focal point of the circular paraboloid. Upon exiting the second endof the light pipe 600, radiant solar energy 102 enters the recapturearea 700. Some of the reflected radiant energy 106 impinges the target300 while some of the reflected radiant energy 106 passes to the side,above, or below the target 300 thereby passing the target 300. Thereflected radiant energy 106 that passes the target 300 reflects off thereflective material on the sidewalls 710 towards the target 300 andimpinges the target 300. In one embodiment, the reflected radiant energy106 can reflect off the reflective material on multiple the sidewalls710 before impinging the target 300.

The foregoing has described the principles, embodiments, and modes ofoperation of the present invention. However, the invention should not beconstrued as being limited to the particular embodiments describedabove, as they should be regarded as being illustrative and not asrestrictive. It should be appreciated that variations may be made inthose embodiments by those skilled in the art without departing from thescope of the present invention.

Modifications and variations of the present invention are possible inlight of the above teachings. It is therefore to be understood that theinvention may be practiced otherwise than as specifically describedherein.

What is claimed is:
 1. A solar furnace for heating a target comprising:a heliostat having: a reflective surface having a reflective portion, asurface altering mechanism capable of altering the shape of thereflective portion, and a target having a target area, the reflectivesurface capable of reflecting radiant energy toward the target.
 2. Thesolar furnace of claim 1 wherein the surface altering mechanism allowsfor the alteration of the size of the target area.
 3. The solar furnaceof claim 1 wherein surface altering mechanism allows for the reflectedradiant energy to impinge upon a target area at various distances fromthe reflective surface.
 4. The solar furnace of claim 1 wherein theheliostat has a plurality of surface altering mechanisms capable ofaltering the reflective surface to a multi-curved shape.
 5. The solarfurnace of claim 4 wherein the target comprises a plurality of targetareas, and the heliostat comprises a first surface altering mechanismcapable of altering the shape of a first reflective portion and a secondsurface altering mechanism capable of altering the shape of a secondreflective portion, the first reflective portion capable of reflectingradiant energy toward a first target area and the second reflectiveportion capable of reflecting radiant energy toward a second targetarea.
 6. The solar furnace of claim 1 wherein the solar furnace has aplurality of heliostats capable of reflecting radiant energy toward atarget area.
 7. The solar furnace of claim 6 wherein the targetcomprises a plurality of target areas, and the solar furnace comprisesat least one first heliostat capable of reflecting radiant energy towardat least one first target area and at least one second heliostat capableof reflecting radiant energy toward at least one second target area. 8.The solar furnace of claim 6 wherein the surface altering mechanism ofthe at least one first heliostat allows for at least one first targetsize and the surface altering mechanism of the at least one secondheliostat allows for at least one second target size.
 9. The solarfurnace of claim 1 wherein the heliostat further comprises a failsafemechanism capable of decreasing the amount of wind captured by thereflective surface.
 10. The solar furnace of claim 1 further comprisinga directional reflector capable of altering the direction of the radiantenergy reflected by the reflective surface.
 11. A solar furnace forheating a target comprising: at least one heliostat having a reflectivesurface having a reflective portion, and a target having at least onetarget area, the reflective surface capable of reflecting radiant energytoward a target area, an at least one first reflective surface capableof reflecting radiant energy toward an at least one first target area,and an at least one second reflective surface capable of reflectingradiant energy toward an at least one second target area.
 12. The solarfurnace of claim 11 wherein the at least one first target area has afirst target size and the at least one second target area has a secondtarget size.
 13. The solar furnace of claim 11 further comprising adirectional reflector capable of altering the direction of the radiantenergy reflected by the reflective surface.
 14. A solar furnace forheating a target comprising: a heliostat having a reflective surfacehaving a reflective portion, the reflective surface capable ofreflecting radiant energy, and a light pipe capable of receiving thereflected radiant energy and directing the reflected radiant energytoward a target.
 15. The solar furnace of claim 14 further comprising acollector capable of directing the reflected radiant energy into thelight pipe.
 16. The solar furnace of claim 14 further comprising arecapture area having a plurality of sidewalls defining the periphery ofthe recaptured area, the sidewalls lined with a reflective surfacecapable of reflecting radiant energy toward the target.
 17. A method ofheating a target utilizing a solar furnace comprising the steps of:loading a quantity of moldable material into a target, altering theshape of a reflective surface utilizing a surface altering mechanism,reflecting radiant energy toward the target area of the target, heatingthe target area with the reflected radiant energy, and removing themolded product from the target.
 18. A method of claim 19 furthercomprising the step of placing a target in the focal point of areflective surface of a heliostat.
 19. A method of claim 19 furthercomprising the steps of: placing a target in close proximity to a secondend of a light pipe, and reflecting radiant energy toward a first end ofa light pipe.
 20. A method of claim 19 further comprising the steps of:touching a target to a second end of a light pipe, and reflectingradiant energy toward a first end of a light pipe.
 21. A method of claim19 further comprising the step of reflecting radiant energy toward acollector.
 22. A method of claim 19 further comprising the step ofplacing a target in a recapture area having a plurality of sidewallsdefining the periphery of the recaptured area, the sidewalls lined witha reflective material capable of reflecting radiant energy toward thetarget.
 23. A method of claim 19 further comprising the step ofreflecting radiant energy toward a directional reflector.
 24. A methodof claim 19 further comprising the step of orientating, using amicroprocessor, the reflective surface.
 25. A method of claim 19 whereinthe step of altering the shape of a reflective surface utilizing asurface altering mechanism is performed using a microprocessor.